George Mutuku Qualify’s for World Athletics Championships in Tokyo; Japan

University of Embu; George Mutinda Mutuku: a third year of  Reg. No. E223/24089/2022 won the Athletics Kenya  National 400 m title by clocking 44.51s to qualify for World Athletics Championships to be held in Tokyo Japan from 13^th -21st September 2025.

George, a third year student at University of Embu, undertaking his bachelor’s degree in criminology and security studies, started his athletics journey as a first year in 2022 participating in 800m. His University Coach, Mr. David Macharia and the head of sports and games department, advised him to focus on 400m and 200m. ‘His speed was impressive’ for the above sprints in regional and national university athletics meets. Following these exploits, he had no choice but to switch him to 400m with bouts of 200m to enhance his speed. This has not disappointed.

During this year’s Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) athletics meet held in march 2025, he clocked 45.63 and qualified for World University Sports Federation (FISU) games currently being held in Germany. His participation in FISU games could not materialize as he would later qualify to join team Kenya for Tokyo, Japan.

The University would later field him during Kipkeino World Classic Gold Tour at Ulinzi Complex where he posted world beating time. This event would trigger his nerves that I can do it. He would later enroll for AK Betika Weekend Meets where he has worked his way up

The athletics world is abuzz with excitement as George Mutinda Mutuku, Kenya’s reigning 400 m champion from University of Embu, gears up to make his global debut at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo this September. With a stunning 44.51 s, George has not only etched his name in Kenyan sprinting history but has also spearheaded a historic resurgence in the men’s 400 m for the nation.

PHOTO 1. George displaying his maiden 400m gold medal after winning Athletics Kenya National Athletics Trials for world Athletics Championships to be held in Tokyo Japan from 13^th -21st September 2025.

On June 27, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, George ignited the track fire, clinching gold at the Athletics Kenya National Championships. Clocking 44.51 s, he led a Kenyan top-three sweep all under the World Championships qualifying standard of 44.85s marking the first time in eight years Kenya has qualified a full 400 m men’s team for World Athletics Championships. His electrifying performance crowned him Kenya’s 400 m champion and placed him at an impressive 97 in Global World Athletics Rankings.

Photo 2. George pumping his way to glory at Ulinzi Complex during Kenya Prisons National Trials.

Photo 3. Mutinda in action during AK Betika Track and Field Weekend Meet Finals.

His success arrives amid a renaissance of Kenyan sprinting. National coach Stephen Mwaniki anticipates Kenya sending its largest-ever sprint squad of up to 24 athletes to Tokyo, with George leading the charge at 400 m alongside national relay teams.

Born in October 2001, George hails from Masii, Machakos County. Initially a basketball guard, his sprinting potential was uncovered by family athletic ancestry. He draws inspiration from Usain Bolt, focusing intensely on starts and endurance. “This victory is a clear sign I can do much better,” he declared.

As George prepares for Tokyo, Kenya proudly sends a full-fledged 400 m men’s squad for the first time since 2017—and only the second time in history. With his breakneck start and unwavering determination, George Mutuku is Kenya’s sprinting beacon, poised to shine where no Kenyan 400 m athlete has before.